Judy+Bar=Joy

What a perfect day! A gorgeous bride, a handsome groom, traditions overflowing with emotion, Vancouver's natural beauty - all wrapped up in a big bubble of LOVE! On their wedding day, Judith and Barend lived every moment to the max - and it was a joy to photograph. There are so many wonderful images ~ here are some of our favourites.

Barend.

Judith.

The tenaim ceremony.

Seeing each other for the first time at the bedekin. I love their expressions.

With the backdrop of ocean and mountains, Brock House is one of our favourite venues - and the fabulous Sarah & Erin from DreamGroup made sure everything looked perfect. Rounding out the team of vendors was uber-videographer Bruce from CloudNineCreative.

Okay, are these little ones too cute or what?!

I love the lines in this image.

And the moment in this one.

Such a beautiful location.

And a beautiful couple.

Married!

Gorgeous light on Jericho Beach - love it when couples plan their day with the sunset time in mind!

Some portraits on the beach. These two are so naturally romantic with each other.

Hora time!

The groomsmen had a surprise for Bar - Austin Powers!

After his speech, Judy's father played his guitar for the couple & they got up for a sweet, short, impromptu dance.

The second First Dance.

Congratulations, Judy & Bar!

Welcome bags+Brides=No room. Oops.

Today was welcome bag day. Since most of our weddings are destination, we have a once a month shopping and assembly day. It's pretty fun until we start pushing 175 bottles of water down the already packed aisles of Sam's Club. As you can see, today was a heavy load.
Then while we were assembling the bags- which take over the place (see photo), many a brides stopped in to look at invitations and browse the library. We've quickly learned that now welcome bag assembly will have to be early in the morning before we flip the "open" signs and that 6 bottles of champagne goes quick. HA!

It was so great to meet some new brides this week. We met brides getting married in Hawaii, Pittsburg, Cape Coral, Naples, Bowling Green, Savannah and Boca Grande. We're glad you stopped in!:
Tiffany I.
Barbara L.
Lesley M.
Jennifer P.
Nicole K.
Tiffany M.
and
La Lauren

Laurie+Warren=Elegance

It was such a pleasure to spend the day with the Warren & Laurie. Sophisticated and urbane, this couple is one class act. They are so perfectly matched - when they are together, they just radiate a love that is so strong, so calm, and so serene.

Laurie's gorgeous dress & veil was envisioned & created by her oh-so-fabulous brother, designer James Yeh . Sexy slingbacks by Delman.

James arranges the final touches.

Gorgeous bride!

A handsome Warren waits at the church with cutie-putootie ring-bearer Nicholas.

Their ceremony was so moving. Made me teary-eyedwhen I watched their highlight reel shot by Laura Ann Cinema.

Cool spot. Hot couple.

The wedding party was super-fun especially when a little puppy was added to the group!

Though Warren & Laurie now live in London, England, they love to return their hometown and walk Vancouver's waterfront.

I love the peace of this portrait.

A candle-lit reception.

And smiles and tears all around at the speeches.

First dance.

And a final shot out on the street with the gorgeous couple! Congratulations Laurie & Warren!

Paying For Your Wedding (Recession Blues)

We were recently contacted by Tammy in Bristol, TN about saving for a wedding. Given the state of the economy, she is questioning if she should delay her destination wedding until the economy improves.

This is a really personal decision and we don’t feel comfortable telling people what to do. However, we will offer some really broad advice.

First, you could think of a thousand reasons to delay your wedding – finances, family drama, apathy to planning (the engagement bliss period), etc. If you are unemployed and are in financial difficulties, you might consider it. On the other hand, you could always find a reason to delay.

Second, allow us our Suze Orman moment. It’s really not worth beginning your new life together with a lot of debt. If you are fortunate enough to have parents who will pay for your wedding, congratulations! If not, you’re like most couples these days and are paying for it yourselves. If you are in the latter boat, you should try to save the money and pay for it completely – and not go into debt.

Finally, the wedding is a special day, but is only one day. Would you rather spend an extra $5,000 on the wedding, or would you rather take another vacation?

Get married, but be wise about it financially.

"It's your boy Kelly, Rabbi Sol!"

Not kidding, this is how Andrea announces that Rabbi Solomen is calling us. How hilarious! I was cracking up. You see, I'd just had a wonderful discussion with Rabbi Sol, and we really hit it off. We talked a bit about the wedding and a bit about our websites, which lead to blogging. Within minutes of ending our conversation, he called back about blogging- very excited. And now I must admit that I am even more excited for next weekends wedding ceremony and to finally get to meet this charming rabbi.
The beach ceremony at the Ritz Carlton Naples Beach is sure to be a unique one with both Rabbi Solomon and Father Riccardi officiating.
Check back in a couple weeks and I'll update on how this amazing wedding turns out!

Chery+John=Sweet

As sweet as a cherry - that is the delicious-sugary-goodness that is Chery & John's love. These two were so giggly and flirty with each other all day! It was so much fun to spend their day with them.

It began at Hotel Vancouver where Chery got ready for parts one & two of her day - allowing John into her suite and then heading out for some city shots.

Two dresses and lots of sparkle!

While Chery got ready, John takes a walk on the wild side with his boys...

Before donning some lipstick and shelling out some cash to see his bride.



Pure sweetness.

Outside for some urban portraits.

Love the lines & textures in this cool underground setting.

Some fun around town and then it was out to Swaneset for a gorgeous sunny-day ceremony.

Chery planned her colour scheme at the ceremony & reception around her name - purple & red for cherries! Decor and floral by the fabulous Kim & Andy at Wedding Design Studio

We Do.

Married!

Some portraits on the grounds of Swaneset - such a great venue.

Playing with the backlight & shadows.

Lovin the light.

Chery greeted her guests at the reception with martini glasses filled with cherries - such a fun personal touch.

And everyone had fun with the bejewelled point&shoot cameras!

Final image of the night.

Congratulations Chery & John!